I am not the easiest guy to get along with on the field. I coach with the same intensity as a played. I am always fired up and vocal to me players. Sometimes that carries over to the umpires regarding calls. If I think there is a bad call I will let the umpire know. By the way my players are not allowed to talk, or show up the umpires. If the do they sit.
We were involved in a very tight game a few weeks ago, and a particular umpire made three very questionable calls that were not in our favor. I let him know that I didn't agree each of them. Needless to say we didn't get along after that. However, after each play, after each game I believe everything disagreement and argument should stay on the field, and be dropped.
Yesterday that same umpire called our game. I could tell right off the bat at the plate meeting that he already had an attitude toward me. So I kept my mouth shut all game until the sixth inning. We were on defense and there was a great play in the hole, SS made a great play and made a low through to 1B, and the player dug it out clearly in time. The runner was called safe. I very respectfully called time, and started walking to the field. The field umpire pointed at me as I approached the line and yelled "Don't even bother." I indicted, again very respectfully that I just wanted an explaination. He said one more word I was out of here. Again this was the first thing that I said the whole game. I felt that he was still holding a grudge toward me from the last game. I believe as a mahager that I have a right to an explanation why he thought the runner was safe. Was the throw late, did the 1baseman pull his foot, was there no control?
Any suggestions how I might handle this situation with this umpire in the future?
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